1996 Saturn SL2 Died and Won't Crank

1996 SATURN
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KTNHELLHOLE
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  • 2 POSTS
the car was running fine, i was driving along and it just died. now it won't even turn over . nothing. when i turn the key the insterments light up, radio works, headlights work. battery has 12.5 volts fuses seem to be fine. ignition switch changed, same result. a friend suggested the starter but, would that make it just quit? any sugesstions would be welcome
Feb 7, 2006 at 10:16 AM
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2CARPRO JACK
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 11,533 POSTS
check the small wire on the starter. you should get 12 volts when the key is in the crank position
Feb 8, 2006 at 7:05 AM
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PEPPERMRJ
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,158 POSTS
^^^^^^^^^^^^^What He said.^^^^^^^^^^^
Power will flow from the ignition switch thru either the neutral/park safety switch (Automatic transmission) or the clutch safety switch. Look at the appropriate switch for your model and the wiring.
Good hunting. Let us know what you find. :)
Feb 8, 2006 at 10:26 AM
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KTNHELLHOLE
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sorry it took so long to get back in here. the starter turned out to be bad when tested at autozone. put in a new one, and away we went. thanks for the suggestions
Mar 5, 2006 at 9:19 AM
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Suggested Repair

Check for 12 volts on the small starter wire with the key in crank, and inspect the neutral/park safety switch (automatic) or clutch safety switch and related wiring. In this case the starter tested bad, and replacing it restored cranking.

Conversation Summary

A 1996 Saturn SL2 died while driving and would not crank, although the instruments, radio, and headlights still worked. Battery voltage was 12.5 volts, the fuses appeared fine, and replacing the ignition switch did not help. Experts advised checking for 12 volts at the starter signal wire in the crank position and inspecting the transmission or clutch safety switch and wiring. The starter later tested bad, and a new starter fixed the no-crank condition.

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